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Mauricio Pochettino wants Tottenham Hotspur to spend £150million this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

Spurs are seemingly set to invest in the playing squad when the transfer window reopens, having gone the past two without signing a single player.

What’s the word?

The Mail report that Pochettino will be given an initial kitty of £60m to spend before player sales are considered, but the report states that the majority of transfer revenue will be retained and spent on the playing staff.

Doubts persist over the futures of both Toby Alderweireld and Christian Eriksen.

The defender, of course, has a £25m release clause embedded into his contract, while the report states that Spurs could cash in on Eriksen, with his deal set to expire at the end of next season.

Full-back Danny Rose, midfielder Victor Wanyama, winger Georges-Kevin N’Koudou will all reportedly be sold if bids come in, while Kieran Trippier and Fernando Llorente could also depart.

The Mail believe that could raise upwards of £100m to boost Pochettino’s spending power, with the club hoping to sign two central midfielders as well as an attacking player who can inject some creativity into the forward line.

Back him

Daniel Levy is absolutely right to throw some cash behind Pochettino.

The Argentine has worked miracles this season, with Spurs in the Champions League semi-finals and also fighting to finish in the Premier League top four.

Quite frankly, Pochettino deserves to be backed to the absolute hilt.

And while he may not have a say in the future of Alderweireld, his targets have to be brought in this summer.

Spurs stand on the precipice of something massive; major investment, then, is absolutely key if they are to take the next step.

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Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa praised midfielder Mateusz Klich during his pre-match Millwall press conference and also revealed that he came close to leaving the club last summer, and Whites fans have been quick to react on Twitter.

The Poland international is set to make his 50th appearance for the Yorkshire outfit when the Lions come to town on Saturday, and the Argentine manager was happy to wax lyrical about the 28-year-old who is tasked with something of a box-to-box role at Elland Road.

Plenty of United supporters reacted to their boss’ fascinating and insightful comments with one saying “just when you think you can’t love Bielsa more”.

That wasn’t the only thing to come from the discussion about Klich though, as the experienced coach revealed the player was keen to go last summer having found himself as the fourth-choice option in his position, all before Ronaldo Vieira departed for Sampdoria and loanee Lewis Baker struggled to make an impact.

Plenty of fans are clearly glad that didn’t turn out to be the case, which is no surprise considering how good he has been in the No.8 role for the automatic promotion hopefuls this term.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Once this season comes to an end, Rangers and Steven Gerrard have a fantastic chance to bolster their squad when the transfer window reopens.

It’s very much necessary too. Rangers have been second best to Celtic yet again this campaign, something fans are desperate to see change sooner rather than later. Surely it has to, right?

Under Steven Gerrard, the potential is there for Rangers to reassert themselves back at the top of the Scottish Premiership but significant improvements do need to be made in the meantime.

Rangers have already started their summer spending, having recruited Motherwell forward Jake Hastie signing a four-year deal in Glasgow (as per the Scottish Sun), who arrives at Ibrox with plenty of potential. Hastie, (who is valued at £180k on Transfermarkt) has enjoyed a terrific start to life in the Scottish Premiership, hence why Rangers opted to snap him up quickly.

The 21-year-old is a forward that can play across the front-line, where he has provided six goals in 12 Premiership appearances so far.

Rangers definitely aren’t short of forward options but the capture of Jake Hastie is a very sensible one, considering the almighty potential he has. Indeed, if the Gers manage to extend the loan of Ryan Kent or acquire him on a permanent deal could mean the Gers utilise both Kent and Hastie out on the wings, giving a completely new and dynamic feel to their attacking play.

Even if they don’t, their attack is already looking stronger.

With a reliable forward waiting in the box, Rangers’ forward play could really be impressive, as they have a number of options they could also turn to in rotation as well. Outside of Alfredo Morelos, the club have lacked a reliable (well, kind of) goalscorer to help him out, so this kind of move is one to address a major problem at Ibrox.

If the signing of Jake Hastie is a sign of things to come, Steven Gerrard and Rangers could have a very productive summer indeed.

Rangers fans, happy with this reported deal? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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Providing his opinion for Sky Sports, Keith Andrews gave his verdict on who he thought would claim the Championship’s automatic promotion spots.

What’s he said?

Speaking to the Sky Sports website, Andrews predicted who he thought would finish in the top two of the Championship and therefore gain promotion to the Premier League.

The former player firstly tipped Norwich who are the runaway leaders in the division before deciding that Sheffield United would claim second place ahead of Leeds.

The Blades bounced back from defeat against Bristol City to beat Preston last weekend and Andrews thinks that has had a major say in proceedings. He also explained why he thought Chris Wilder’s men would nab the final spot.

Here’s what he had to say:

“Sheffield United had a big swing at the weekend. It’s very difficult to call who’s going to come second in that division. When you look at the run-in I slightly favour Sheffield United, only slightly.”

Tough to predict

The race between Sheffield United and Leeds for that final place is absolutely fascinating at the moment and the way it continues to ebb and flow makes it one of the most intriguing battles in recent memory.

Having lost to the Blades before the international break, Marcelo Bielsa’s side’s chances took a hit. However, the next week it was his side leapfrogging their promotion rivals after defeat for Wilder’s men.

It then swung again last weekend when Birmingham defeated Leeds.

It’s therefore incredibly difficult to predict but based on Andrews’ reasoning with the run-ins, he’s just about right to call it in the way he has.

Fans of Norwich, Sheffield United and Ipswich name their club’s worst ever manager in the video below…

The team from Elland Road still have to play Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa this term, whereas Sheffield United face Ipswich, Millwall and Birmingham, who are all down near the bottom of the table.

But with the Championship being so competitive and so much riding on results, points could be dropped anywhere. It really is anyone’s to win or lose.

من المعروف في ألمانيا، أن بايرن ميونخ هو فريق التقاليد، ومن بين تلك التقاليد، إقامة مأدبة ليلية مع اللاعبين والإدارة والرعاة، بعد مباريات دوري أبطال أوروبا، مع إلقاء الخطابات والاحتفلات.

توني كروس، كان أحد الأشخاص الذين لم يستمتعوا بهذه الولائم بعد مباريات دوري أبطال أوروبا، هذا ما أكده في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية.

طالع أيضًا.. قلق في غرفة ملابس ريال مدريد من فينيسيوس جونيور 

وقال كروس: “في ريال مدريد، بعد نهاية مباراة في دوري أبطال أوروبا، كنا نعود مباشرة إلى الفندق أو المنزل، دون حدوث أي شيء”.

وأضاف: “بينما في بايرن ميونخ، كان الوضع مختلفًا، كانت هناك وليمة بعد أي مباراة، وأثناء العشاء، كانت هناك بعض الألعاب الترفيهية”.

وأكمل: “بالنسبة لي كان الأمر دائمًا ما يسبب لي إزعاج، وأمور لم أشعر بالراحة خلالها”.

واختتم: “في ريال مدريد، تنتهي المباراة، لا تقاليد ولا احتفالات، نذهب بسلام إلى المنزل، بدون الإزعاج الذي كان يحدث في ميونخ، أنا سعيد جدًا بالطريقة التي يتم بها التعامل مع الأمور في ريال مدريد”.

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Georginio Wijnaldum has been in good form for Liverpool this season, making 37 appearances in all competitions for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The midfielder has not received too many plaudits, but certainly performs an important role for a Liverpool team chasing success in the Premier League and Champions League.

Wijnaldum has made 129 appearances for the Reds since a 2016 move from Newcastle United, but his current deal will expire at the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

There has not yet been any news on the 28-year-old’s contract situation.

The Liverpool fans, however, have been on social media calling for an announcement on the 5 ft 9 ace.

It seems likely that the Reds will look to sign a new attacking midfielder this summer, but Wijnaldum has again shown his class at Anfield this season and will surely want to stay with the Premier League title challengers.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Liverpool supporters can be seen below:

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According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United are ‘reluctant’ to spend more than £12m on Salomon Rondon in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the word, then?

Rondon joined Newcastle on loan from West Bromwich Albion last summer, with Dwight Gayle moving in the opposite direction.

The Venezuela international is enjoying a fine season for the Magpies, finding the back of the net on nine occasions in the Premier League.

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are keen to land the striker on a permanent deal, but do not want to spend more than £12m.

Rondon has a £16.5m release clause in his current deal with West Brom, which will expire at the end of the 2019-2020 campaign.

It seems difficult to believe that the Premier League club will potentially miss out on the South American over a difference of £4.5m, but that could well occur.

Should Newcastle hold firm?

No, pay the £16.5m. The simple fact of the matter is that Newcastle will not be able to sign a player of Rondon’s quality this summer for that price.

It is not exactly as if the forward is entering the final stages of his career. Indeed, he will not turn 30 until September and arguably has another three or four seasons left at the top level.

Rondon’s nine Premier League goals this season have helped the team, but his overall work rate has been clear for everyone to see and will have been much appreciated by the supporters.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

It is not difficult to understand why Newcastle are reluctant to meet the buy-out figure due to the fact that the striker’s deal with West Brom will expire next summer.

However, to potentially miss out on a move for Rondon over a relatively small figure would be poor business when considering the player’s quality.

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So, the official PFA Team of the Year has been announced, and it has caused a bit of a stir from some fans.

Supporters have questioned Paul Pogba’s inclusion, asked why Alisson hasn’t been picked over Ederson, called for Aaron Wan-Bissaka over Trent Alexander-Arnold. Oh, and also, where’s Eden Hazard?

Anyway, it is what it is. But who are the worst performing players this season, based on general awfulness as well as those who have been well below the standard expected of them?

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

Let’s take a look…

Asmir Begovic

The Bosnian stopper used to be one of the most impressive keepers in the Premier League, and when Bournemouth managed to sign him, it looked like a real steal.

However, this season, the former Stoke man has been awful. Begovic has let in goal after goal, and was even dropped by Eddie Howe for Artur Boruc for a few games, such was his dreadful form.

Kieran Trippier

After such a phenomenal World Cup campaign with England, many would’ve expected Kieran Trippier to have waltzed into this season full of confidence and be one of the leading right-backs.

Instead, the former Burnley man has been a laughing stock, letting numerous wingers have their way with him whilst making some woeful individual errors – his own goal away to Chelsea summed up his season.

Maxime Le Marchand 

The Frenchman, quite frankly, has been abysmal in his first season at Craven Cottage.

Signed in the summer, for whatever reason, Le Marchand has been part of the top flight’s worst defence, with Fulham conceding a league-high 76 goals before this weekend.

Shkodran Mustafi

Do I even need to write anything?

The German international is practically hated by Arsenal fans for his powder-puff displays at the back, and his numerous individual errors may still cost the Gunners a place in the top four.

Gaetan Bong

The 31-year-old had somehow made 21 Premier League appearances this season heading into the weekend, despite being challenged by the impressive summer signing Bernardo.

Bong, as always, has offered very little going forward, and is not a standout player from a defensive aspect – just how Chris Hughton keeps deeming him suitable for selection is beyond rationality.

Jorginho 

Heralded as the key cog in Maurizio Sarri’s Napoli team, big things were expected of Jorginho after his £57m arrival at Chelsea.

However, the so-called pass master was yet to record an assist with just three league games to play, and has even been booed by his own supporters for his flimsy performances.

Fred

Wow. What an awful signing.

£52m man Fred had made just 17 league appearances since signing from Shakhtar Donetsk prior to Sunday’s clash, and at this late stage in the season, United fans will struggle to tell you one thing that he is particularly good at.

The Brazilian was a shoe-in for the worst team of the season.

Alexis Sanchez

Another Manchester United misfit, flop, whatever you want to call it.

Still picking up his reported £500,000-a-week wages, Sanchez had scored just one goal in 18 league appearances this term before this weekend’s action, and just two goals across all competitions.

What a waste of money.

Theo Walcott

The former Arsenal man, signed for a huge £20m back in January 2018, has been one of the flops of the season and one of Everton’s worst players without a doubt.

Walcott had managed to muster up just four goals across his first 34 league appearances this season, and has found himself out of the side recently as a result of his ineffective displays.

Marko Arnautovic 

West Ham should’ve bitten unnamed Chinese club’s hand off when they tabled £35m for the Austrian back in January.

Arnautovic had produced seven goals in 25 appearances before this weekend, but for a player of his class he has been largely disappointing and has definitely checked out mentally since the winter transfer window.

Steve Mounie

Arguably one of the worst strikers in the division, Steve Mounie has been incredibly ineffective for the Terriers this season – they look set to finish the season as the league’s lowest scorers.

The Benin forward had just three goals in 29 league appearances going into the weekend, and it is no surprise that Huddersfield have already been relegated with Mounie leading the line.

تحدث اللاعب الأنجولي آري بابل المنتقل حديثًا لصفوف نادي الإسماعيلي، عن انضمامه لقلعة الدراويش، مؤكدًا سعادته باللعب لبرازيل مصر.

وكان الاسماعيلي قد أعلن تعاقده مع بابل بدايًة من الموسم المقبل، بعد عدم اتمام انتقاله للزمالك والتعاون السعودي.

وقال بابل في تصريحات للموقع الرسمي لنادي الإسماعيلي: “سأتذكر دومًا يوم انضمامي لهذا الفريق العريق، سعادة كبيرة أشعر بها لارتدائى قميص أحد أعرق الأندية في مصر والقارة السمراء أجمع”.

وأضاف: “عند علمي برغبة الإسماعيلي في التعاقد معي، بدأت أسأل عنه بعض المقربين لى والذين أكدوا لي أنه نادٍ يتمتع بجماهيرية كبيرة ولديه أسلوب لعب مختلف ومميز ويعمل باحترافية، وهو ما لمسته منذ بداية عملية التفاوض وتأكدت من ذلك مع وصولي إلى المدينة ودخولي مقره ورؤية النادي من الداخل، أستطيع أن أجزم أنني وجدت أفضل مما سمعت”.

طالع | الإسماعيلي يرد على أنباء التفاوض مع أليو بادجي

وأردف: “أكثر شىء أبهرني وفاجئني بالنسبة لي هو حجم الجماهيرية الكبيرة التى حرصت على الترحيب بانضمامى للإسماعيلي على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، الجميع هنا يرغب فى تقديم المساعدة لي من أجل التألق وهو ما سأقاتل عليه”.

وتابع: “البطولة العربية هي بوابتي لتحقيق حلم الجماهير، خاصة بعد الوصول للدور نصف النهائى والفوز على المنافس الرجاء المغربي بلقاء الذهاب بالإسماعيلية بهدف نظيف.”

وواصل: “الجهاز الفني بقيادة البرازيلي ريكاردو حرص في البداية على تعريفي بكل شىء عن الفريق من أجل تحقيق الانسجام والتناغم بشكل سريع، بدأت أتعرف على زملائى بالفريق فهم رفاق محببون للغاية وأنا سعيد للتواجد بينهم، أنا هنا لتقديم كل ما لدى داخل الملعب، وأدعو الله أن يوفقني دائما في تسجيل الكثير من الأهداف والمساهمة في حصد الألقاب وإسعاد الجماهير”.

واستكمل: “أجيد اللعب في مركزي الجناح الأيمن والأيسر والمهاجم الصريح ، لكنى أفضل دائما اللعب على الأطراف ، إلا أننى تحت أمر الجهاز الفنى فى المركز الذى يفضل إشراكى به، ولدينا تحديات كبيرة فى انتظارنا وأعد الجميع بأنى لن أقصر من أجل الظهور بالمستوى الذى يكون على قدر تطلعات مجلس الإدارة برئاسة المهندس إبراهيم عثمان والجماهير الكبيرة”.

وأتم: “أتطلع أيضًا للتواجد في تشكيلة منتخب بلادي، وذلك عبر بوابة الإسماعيلي، وأرى أن اللعب في صفوف منتخب أنجولا شرف كبير لأي لاعب”.

واختتم: “أشكر الجماهير كثيرا على هذا الدعم والمساندة والترحيب المميز الذي وجدته منذ إعلان توقيعي للفريق، وأتمنى أن أكون عند حسن ظنكم، وأعدكم ببذل قصارى جهدى لإسعادكم في كل مكان”.

[ad_pod ]Everton fans have taken to Twitter to heap praise on Phil Jagielka, after the veteran defender scored the only goal of the game to help his side beat Arsenal 1-0.The 36-year-old wasn’t even meant to be starting against the Gunners, until Michael Keane was forced to withdraw from the eleven during the warm up due to illness.In this era of ‘big 6’ dominance, has finishing 7th become as good as winning a trophy? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…The 6 foot defender was making just his third Premier League start of the season for the Toffees, and managed to net his first goal since April 2017 with a predatory effort after a scramble in the box.His goal game early, but alongside Kurt Zouma, the former Sheffield United centre-back defended admirably to preserve the Merseysiders’ clean sheet and earn them all three points – they have now won their last three games without conceding a goal.

His contract is up in the summer and he is yet to be offered fresh terms, but for now, let’s see what the Everton fans are saying on Twitter about the experienced Jagielka…